Summary
- I have turned down offers to be a CMO for large companies because I believe in playing to my strengths. It's important to know where you excel and where you don't.
- I excel as an individual contributor, which means I thrive by working independently or with small teams, rather than leading large groups.
- I find that I can effectively grow an organization with a small team of three or four people, but I struggle with managing big teams of 300 or 400 people.
- Self-awareness is key, and I recognize that I would not perform well managing a marketing team within a company that has 100,000 or even 50,000 employees.
- Being honest about your managerial skills can help in choosing the right role for you. Embrace where you can contribute best to ensure success for you and your team.
- Knowing your limits and your strengths is crucial. I am aware that being a manager is not something I do well, and I choose roles that fit me better.
Video
How To Take Action
I would suggest implementing self-awareness in your personal growth or business strategies. Start by identifying your strengths and weaknesses. Like I realized I’m best at contributing individually and working with small teams, you, too, can figure out where you shine. Are you great at organizing small groups, or do you excel working solo? Knowing this helps you make smart decisions about your role.
A good way of doing this is through self-reflection or even asking for feedback from peers. It’s low-cost and high-value. Just a few conversations can guide you to roles or tasks where you can thrive, like choosing to lead a small team rather than overseeing a large one if that fits your skills better.
Embrace roles that play to your strengths. If you know managing large groups isn’t for you, look for opportunities that allow you to make a significant impact without being in charge of many people. This honest assessment can lead to better job satisfaction and success.
Lastly, choose projects where you can work efficiently within small teams or independently. By focusing on what you do well, you can grow more confidently and effectively, boosting both your personal and professional development with minimal stress and maximum results. Make these discoveries a part of your routine to ensure long-term growth and satisfaction.
Full Transcript
I've been offered to be a CMO for publicly traded companies more times than I can recall or even count on one hand I would be a terrible CMO quite frankly I'm an amazing individual contributor I'm amazing at growing an organization even if it's extremely large with a small team but to be a CMO of a organization that has 100 plus thousand employees or 50,000 employees I'm not a great fit how many people would be in marketing I'm a terrible manager and yeah I can put someone else underneath me I'm just really good at just being an individual contributor and I can work with small teams of three four but I'm terrible just working with teams of like 300 400 especially being in charge of them and this is why I'm never a manager
